Kenyans on social media might find themselves unable to use their favorite platforms if the government greenlights a plan to enforce a social media shut-down, a new report has claimed.
The looming closure is part of the continued pressure by the State against the Raila Odinga-led National Super Alliance (NASA).
The report by the Sunday Nation alleges that sources within the interior Ministry stated: "Social media is also being monitored and a shutdown is not a remote possibility."
Earlier on, the Interior Ministry had issued a statement declaring the opposition affiliated NRM an outlawed group.
There have been intesified measures by the government to deal with opposition affiliated personalities and institutions following the swearing of Raila Odinga as the People's President on January 30.
CS Fred Matiang'i had declared the oathing ceremony illegal and barred the media from transmitting live coverage of the event.
[caption caption="Interior CS Fred Matiang'i"]
[/caption]
Three TV stations NTV, Citizen, and KTN News had their signals switched off for contravening the directives from the Ministry of Interior. Journalists Linus Kaikai, Larry Madowo and Ken Mijungu were forced to spend Wednesday night within the confines of Nation House after being tipped-off of a possible arrest.
The crackdown on those who took part in the swearing in ceremony has seen the arrest of Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’ and Makadara legislator George Aladwa by the police.
Self-professed National Resistance Movement (NRM) General, activist and lawyer Miguna Miguna who was arrested on Friday morning has remained in police custody despite having been released by the court on a Sh 50,000 bail.
Among other actions by the Interior Ministry, the government has withdrawn state security, revoked firearm licences and reports indicate a possible confiscation of passports of persons suspected of either association with NRM or participation in NASA's oathing ceremony.
Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati had his firearm licence revoked. Others affected by the revocation include NASA principles Kalonzo Musyoka, and Musalia Mudavadi.
[caption caption="A TV screen unable to display 3 switched-off channels on the DSTV platform"]
[/caption]
